This is one of the best known and most useful commercial timbers in the world and a steady permanent demand exists. It grows throughout Europe across to Asia. From more northern areas it has an average weight of 720 kg/m3 when dried; from central Europe it averages 670 kg/m3. The timber is typically whitish to light brown with an indistinct sapwood. Trees that have grown in the coldest areas may produce logs with 'red heart'; such logs have a pattern not unlike a flower on their ends - this produces reddish-brown streaks in the length of the timber. It is common practice to steam beech in some parts of Europe and this causes a permanent pink or light red colouration.
The wood is straight grained and has a fine and even texture.

Movement - large
Durability - perishable
Treatability - permeable
Workability - generally easy but depends on hardness; some burning can occur in machining, producing a blackened surface; finishes well; pre-boring required

Beech is unusual in that it can be steam bent to quite small radii; this makes it particularly useful in the furniture industry. It can be finished easily to match up with almost any other timber. The timber is actually stronger than Oak and because of its straight grain and ease of working can be used for almost anything it is popular for all types of furniture, joinery, tool handles, brushes, sports goods and flooring. It is also used extensively for plywood.